UFC legend labels Arman Tsarukyan "best lightweight in the world", champions Ilia Topuria matchup

Withdrawing from his UFC 311 title fight against Islam Makhachev has evidently damaged Arman Tsarukyan's standing with the promotion, and securing another title shot now appears to be a Herculean task for the Russian.

Be that as it may, former UFC two-division champion Daniel Cormier believes 'Ahalkalakets' might just be the best lightweight in the world now that Makhachev has moved up to 170 pounds.

Despite Tsarukyan's recent win over Dan Hooker and his status as the No.1 contender, the winner of the UFC 324 main event between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett will be next in line for Ilia Topuria's lightweight title.

Cormier, however, is convinced that Topuria vs. Tsarukyan is the most marketable bout at lightweight. During an interview with Red Corner MMA in Thailand, he said:

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"Listen man, this guy just might be the best lightweight in the world, since Islam is gone. He is really good man. He is big, he is strong, he is physical. The champion Ilia Topuria is tremendous... I think they need a fight at some point."

Cormier added:

"Paddy Pimblett is awesome, Justin Gaethje is awesome, [but] Arman and Ilia seem to have something, and not only something in terms of skill, but between the two, we can build a great fight around. So, yeah, I think Arman is fantastic man."

Check out Daniel Cormier's comments about Arman Tsarukyan and Ilia Topuria below:

Furthermore, Topuria and Tsarukyan share a notable rivalry, with 'El Matador' even threatening to vacate the title if the UFC forces him to defend the lightweight strap against 'Ahalkalakets'.

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Arman Tsarukyan deems Ilia Topuria an easier fight than Charles Oliveira

When Ilia Topuria faced Charles Oliveira at UFC 317, it took 'El Matador' only a little over two minutes to knock him out. However, Arman Tsarukyan believes the lightweight champion is stylistically an easier matchup for him than 'do Bronx'.

During an interview with Daniel Cormier, 'Ahalkalakets' argued that his grappling would be too much for the Georgian-born Spaniard to handle. Furthermore, he believes he can impose his grappling on Topuria without any reservation since 'El Matador' doesn't pose the same submission threat as the Brazilian:

"When you take down Charles Oliveira, he can still choke you or do submissions, but Topuria is going to try to get up. Then you can [take him down] a thousand times, because [he poses] no problems on the ground."

Edited by Ujwal Jain